Base assumption: Prostheses are just mechanical augmentation. Further assuming that [[Everything that can be digital will be]], all prostheses will become digital as well, making them physical-digital extensions of ourselves. That makes them a form of [[Wearables]], but with a specific context / ability that they are trying to augment or add. In general, prostheses are a replacement or substitute for something lost or something that wasn't there in the first place. It's an artificial, functional equivalent for extremities, organs or senses. In this context they are mostly seen as something negative and not as "good" as the natural equivalent. In most cultures interacting with somebody wearing a prostheses will invoke empathy and compassion for their loss. However as technology evolves, I believe that this won't be the case for much longer. There is a threshold where prostheses (and a substitute in general) becomes better than the original in every measurable way. Glasses that provide 20/10 vision. Hearing aids that provide more than normal hearing by eliminating all background noise. An artificial arm that is stronger or more flexible than a human one. ## Disabilities as room for improvement One (cynical & utilitarian) way to define "disability" is as a deviation from an assumed norm. This norm might not be the average, but based on a perceived assumption what should be "normal" abilities for a human being. If someone is below this norm, then they are disabled. In [[Technology Solutionism]] this would be seen as room for improvement, meaning viewing a disability as "something to fix" and improve upon. It's not about accepting people for what they are and recognize that "average" and "norm" are social constructs. ## From disabled to superable We are at a point where we discuss if prostheses are an [unfair advantage in the olympics](https://www.thedailybeast.com/the-blurring-of-olympics-and-paralympics). In an environment where biological doping is a thing, prostheses are a logical next step for athletes that want to win. As a former professional cyclist that is now a professional wheelchair athlete said: "We are not disabled, we are superable." Normal headphones will also go into this direction. As will normal glasses. And it doesn't make sense that prostheses would only limit themselves to the original "feature set" of the thing they are replacing. Hearing aids have [bluetooth connectivity, active noise cancellation and directional focus](https://www.nuheara.com/products/iqbuds-max/). The range of audible frequencies could also be extended, where subsonic frequencies would be translated into other sounds or vibration. Beyond that it will reach into areas to support learning, mental health and neurodiversity. We will continue to feel uneasy in the company of people wearing prostheses, but for another reason: We will be reminded about our own natural inferiority vs. their technology and we wonder what their prostheses allows them to do that we can't. See also: The controversy around [[Google Glass]].